Non-volatile storage with individually controllable shield plates between storage elements

ABSTRACT

A non-volatile storage having individually controllable shield plates between storage elements. The shield plates are formed by depositing a conductive material such as doped polysilicon between storage elements and their associated word lines, and providing contacts for the shield plates. The shield plates reduce electromagnetic coupling between floating gates of the storage elements, and can be used to optimize programming, read and erase operations. In one approach, the shield plates provide a field induced conductivity between storage elements in a NAND string during a sense operation so that source/drain implants are not needed in the substrate. In some control schemes, alternating high and low voltages are applied to the shield plates. In other control schemes, a common voltage is applied to the shield plates.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, filed herewith, titled “Method ForOperating Non-Volatile Storage With Individually Controllable ShieldPlates Between Storage Elements,” (docket no. SAND-1196US0), and U.S.patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith, titled “Method ForFabricating Non-Volatile Storage With Individually Controllable ShieldPlates Between Storage Elements,” (docket no. SAND-1196US2), each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to non-volatile memory.

2. Description of the Related Art

Semiconductor memory has become increasingly popular for use in variouselectronic devices. For example, non-volatile semiconductor memory isused in cellular telephones, digital cameras, personal digitalassistants, mobile computing devices, non-mobile computing devices andother devices. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory(EEPROM) and flash memory are among the most popular non-volatilesemiconductor memories. With flash memory, also a type of EEPROM, thecontents of the whole memory array, or of a portion of the memory, canbe erased in one step, in contrast to the traditional, full-featuredEEPROM.

Both the traditional EEPROM and the flash memory utilize a floating gatethat is positioned above and insulated from a channel region in asemiconductor substrate. The floating gate is positioned between thesource and drain regions. A control gate is provided over and insulatedfrom the floating gate. The threshold voltage (V_(TH)) of the transistorthus formed is controlled by the amount of charge that is retained onthe floating gate. That is, the minimum amount of voltage that must beapplied to the control gate before the transistor is turned on to permitconduction between its source and drain is controlled by the level ofcharge on the floating gate.

Some EEPROM and flash memory devices have a floating gate that is usedto store two ranges of charges and, therefore, the memory element can beprogrammed/erased between two states, e.g., an erased state and aprogrammed state. Such a flash memory device is sometimes referred to asa binary flash memory device because each memory element can store onebit of data.

A multi-state (also called multi-level) flash memory device isimplemented by identifying multiple distinct allowed/valid programmedthreshold voltage ranges. Each distinct threshold voltage rangecorresponds to a predetermined value for the set of data bits encoded inthe memory device. For example, each memory element can store two bitsof data when the element can be placed in one of four discrete chargebands corresponding to four distinct threshold voltage ranges.

Typically, a program voltage V_(PGM) applied to the control gate duringa program operation is applied as a series of pulses that increase inmagnitude over time. In one possible approach, the magnitude of thepulses is increased with each successive pulse by a predetermined stepsize, e.g., 0.2-0.4 V. V_(PGM) can be applied to the control gates offlash memory elements. In the periods between the program pulses, verifyoperations are carried out. That is, the programming level of eachelement of a group of elements being programmed in parallel is readbetween successive programming pulses to determine whether it is equalto or greater than a verify level to which the element is beingprogrammed. For arrays of multi-state flash memory elements, averification step may be performed for each state of an element todetermine whether the element has reached its data-associated verifylevel. For example, a multi-state memory element capable of storing datain four states may need to perform verify operations for three comparepoints.

Moreover, when programming an EEPROM or flash memory device, such as aNAND flash memory device in a NAND string, typically V_(PGM) is appliedto the control gate and the bit line is grounded, causing electrons fromthe channel of a cell or memory element, e.g., storage element, to beinjected into the floating gate. When electrons accumulate in thefloating gate, the floating gate becomes negatively charged and thethreshold voltage of the memory element is raised so that the memoryelement is considered to be in a programmed state. More informationabout such programming can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,397, titled“Source Side Self Boosting Technique For Non-Volatile Memory,” and inU.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0024939, titled “Detecting OverProgrammed Memory,” published Feb. 3, 2005; both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

However, as device dimensions are scaled down, various challenges arise.For example, floating gate-to-floating gate coupling becomes moreproblematic, resulting in a widened threshold voltage distribution and areduced coupling ratio from the control gate to the floating gate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the above and other issues by providingnon-volatile storage having individually controllable shield platesbetween storage elements.

In one embodiment, a non-volatile storage apparatus includes a substrateon which non-volatile storage elements are formed, word lines incommunication with the non-volatile storage elements, and shield plates,where each shield plate extends between different adjacent non-volatilestorage elements which are associated with adjacent word lines, and eachshield plate is electrically conductive and independently controllable.

In another embodiment, a non-volatile storage apparatus includes asubstrate on which non-volatile storage elements are formed, where thenon-volatile storage elements are arranged in first and second sets,word lines in communication with the non-volatile storage elements ofthe first and second sets, and a first set of shield plates, where eachshield plate of the first set of shield plates extends between differentadjacent non-volatile storage elements which are associated withadjacent word lines of the first set of non-volatile storage elements,is electrically conductive and is independently controllable. Theapparatus further includes a second set of shield plates, where eachshield plate of the second set of shield plates extends betweendifferent adjacent non-volatile storage elements which are associatedwith adjacent word lines of the second set of non-volatile storageelements, is electrically conductive and is independently controllable.

In another embodiment, a non-volatile storage apparatus includes asubstrate on which non-volatile storage elements are formed, where thenon-volatile storage elements are arranged in first and second sets,word lines in communication with the non-volatile storage elements ofthe first and second sets, and a first set of shield plates, where eachshield plate of the first set of shield plates extends between differentadjacent non-volatile storage elements which are associated withadjacent word lines of the first set of non-volatile storage elements.The apparatus further includes a second set of shield plates, where eachshield plate of the second set of shield plates extends betweendifferent adjacent non-volatile storage elements which are associatedwith adjacent word lines of the second set of non-volatile storageelements. Further, the shield plates are electrically conductive andcontrollable independently of other shield plates in the respective setof shield plates.

In another embodiment, a non-volatile storage apparatus includes asubstrate on which non-volatile storage elements are formed, where thenon-volatile storage elements are arranged in sets, and shields, whereeach shield extends between different adjacent sets of non-volatilestorage elements, and each shield is independently controllable forreducing electromagnetic coupling between the adjacent sets ofnon-volatile storage elements between which the shield extends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a NAND string.

FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the NAND string of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an array of NAND flash storage elements.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a NAND string.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a NAND string with shieldplates, where source/drain regions are provided in the substrate betweenstorage elements.

FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of a NAND string with shieldplates, where source/drain regions are not provided in the substratebetween storage elements.

FIG. 7 a depicts a layered semiconductor device, showing across-sectional view across NAND strings.

FIG. 7 b depicts a view along a NAND string of the layered semiconductordevice of FIG. 7 a, where a photoresist layer is applied and patterned.

FIG. 7 c depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 b, afterphotoresist slimming.

FIG. 7 d depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 c, after SiNetching and photoresist stripping.

FIG. 7 e depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 d, afterSiO₂ deposition.

FIG. 7 f depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 e, after aphotoresist mask for select gates is provided.

FIG. 7 g depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 f, afterSiO₂ etching and photoresist stripping.

FIG. 7 h depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 g, after anSiN wet etch.

FIG. 7 i depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 h, after apoly etch.

FIG. 7 j depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 i, after anO—N—O and poly etch.

FIG. 7 k depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 j, aftershield plates are formed by poly deposition and CMP.

FIG. 8 a depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 b.

FIG. 8 b depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 c.

FIG. 8 c depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 d.

FIG. 8 d depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 f.

FIG. 8 e depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 g.

FIG. 8 f depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 h.

FIG. 8 g depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device formedfrom the device of FIG. 8 f, showing word line contacts and shield platecontacts shared by two sets of storage elements.

FIG. 8 h depicts a top view of an alternative layered semiconductordevice, showing shared word line contacts and separate shield platecontacts for each set of storage elements.

FIG. 8 i depicts a top view of an alternative layered semiconductordevice, showing separate word line contacts and shield plate contactsfor each set of storage elements.

FIG. 9 depicts four blocks of storage elements, where word lines andshield plates are shared by a pair of blocks.

FIG. 10 depicts a process for fabricating non-volatile storage withshield plates.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart describing one embodiment of a method forprogramming non-volatile memory.

FIG. 12 depicts an example pulse train applied to the control gates ofnon-volatile storage elements during programming.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart describing one embodiment of a process forreading a non-volatile memory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides non-volatile storage having individuallycontrollable shield plates between storage elements.

One example of a memory system suitable for implementing the presentinvention uses the NAND flash memory structure, which includes arrangingmultiple transistors in series between two select gates. The transistorsin series and the select gates are referred to as a NAND string. FIG. 1is a top view showing one NAND string. FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuitthereof. The NAND string depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes fourtransistors, 100, 102, 104 and 106, in series and sandwiched between afirst select gate 120 and a second select gate 122. Select gate 120gates the NAND string connection to bit line 126. Select gate 122 gatesthe NAND string connection to source line 128. Select gate 120 iscontrolled by applying the appropriate voltages to control gate 120CG.Select gate 122 is controlled by applying the appropriate voltages tocontrol gate 122CG. Each of the transistors 100, 102, 104 and 106 has acontrol gate and a floating gate. Transistor 100 has control gate 100CGand floating gate 100FG. Transistor 102 includes control gate 102CG andfloating gate 102FG. Transistor 104 includes control gate 104CG andfloating gate 104FG. Transistor 106 includes a control gate 106CG andfloating gate 106FG. Control gate 100CG is connected to (or is providedby a portion of) word line WL3, control gate 102CG is connected to wordline WL2, control gate 104CG is connected to word line WL1, and controlgate 106CG is connected to word line WL0. In one embodiment, transistors100, 102, 104 and 106 are each storage elements, also referred to asmemory cells. In other embodiments, the storage elements may includemultiple transistors or may be different than that depicted in FIGS. 1and 2. Select gate 120 is connected to select line SGD. Select gate 122is connected to select line SGS.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram depicting three NAND strings. A typicalarchitecture for a flash memory system using a NAND structure willinclude several NAND strings. For example, three NAND strings 320, 340and 360 are shown in a memory array having many more NAND strings. Eachof the NAND strings includes two select gates and four storage elements.While four storage elements are illustrated for simplicity, modern NANDstrings can have up to thirty-two or sixty-four storage elements, forinstance.

For example, NAND string 320 includes select gates 322 and 327, andstorage elements 323-326, NAND string 340 includes select gates 342 and347, and storage elements 343-346, NAND string 360 includes select gates362 and 367, and storage elements 363-366. Each NAND string is connectedto the source line by its select gates (e.g., select gates 327, 347 or367). A selection line SGS is used to control the source side selectgates. The various NAND strings 320, 340 and 360 are connected torespective bit lines 321, 341 and 361, by select transistors in theselect gates 322, 342, 362, etc. These select transistors are controlledby a drain select line SGD. In other embodiments, the select lines donot necessarily need to be in common among the NAND strings; that is,different select lines can be provided for different NAND strings. Wordline WL3 is connected to the control gates for storage elements 323, 343and 363. Word line WL2 is connected to the control gates for storageelements 324, 344 and 364. Word line WL1 is connected to the controlgates for storage elements 325, 345 and 365. Word line WL0 is connectedto the control gates for storage elements 326, 346 and 366. Each bitline and the respective NAND string comprise the columns of the array orset of storage elements. The word lines (WL3, WL2, WL1 and WL0) comprisethe rows of the array or set. Each word line connects the control gatesof each storage element in the row. Or, the control gates may beprovided by the word lines themselves. For example, word line WL2provides the control gates for storage elements 324, 344 and 364. Inpractice, there can be thousands of storage elements on a word line.

Each storage element can store data. For example, when storing one bitof digital data, the range of possible threshold voltages (V_(TH)) ofthe storage element is divided into two ranges which are assignedlogical data “1” and “0.” In one example of a NAND type flash memory,the V_(TH) is negative after the storage element is erased, and definedas logic “1.” The V_(TH) after a program operation is positive anddefined as logic “0.” When the V_(TH) is negative and a read isattempted, the storage element will turn on to indicate logic “1” isbeing stored. When the V_(TH) is positive and a read operation isattempted, the storage element will not turn on, which indicates thatlogic “0” is stored. A storage element can also store multiple levels ofinformation, for example, multiple bits of digital data. In this case,the range of V_(TH) value is divided into the number of levels of data.For example, if four levels of information are stored, there will befour V_(TH) ranges assigned to the data values “11”, “10”, “01”, and“00.” In one example of a NAND type memory, the V_(TH) after an eraseoperation is negative and defined as “11”. Positive V_(TH) values areused for the states of “10”, “01”, and “00.” The specific relationshipbetween the data programmed into the storage element and the thresholdvoltage ranges of the element depends upon the data encoding schemeadopted for the storage elements. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,762and U.S. Patent Application Pub. 2004/0255090, both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety, describe variousdata encoding schemes for multi-state flash storage elements.

Relevant examples of NAND type flash memories and their operation areprovided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,386,422, 5,522,580, 5,570,315, 5,774,397,6,046,935, 6,456,528 and 6,522,580, each of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

When programming a flash storage element, a program voltage is appliedto the control gate of the storage element, and the bit line associatedwith the storage element is grounded. Electrons from the channel areinjected into the floating gate. When electrons accumulate in thefloating gate, the floating gate becomes negatively charged and theV_(TH) of the storage element is raised. To apply the program voltage tothe control gate of the storage element being programmed, that programvoltage is applied on the appropriate word line. As discussed above, onestorage element in each of the NAND strings share the same word line.For example, when programming storage element 324 of FIG. 3, the programvoltage will also be applied to the control gates of storage elements344 and 364.

However, program disturb can occur at inhibited NAND strings duringprogramming of other NAND strings, and sometimes at the programmed NANDstring itself. Program disturb occurs when the threshold voltage of anunselected non-volatile storage element is shifted due to programming ofother non-volatile storage elements. Program disturb can occur onpreviously programmed storage elements as well as erased storageelements that have not yet been programmed. Various program disturbmechanisms can limit the available operating window for non-volatilestorage devices such as NAND flash memory.

For example, if NAND string 320 is inhibited (e.g., it is an unselectedNAND string which does not contain a storage element which is currentlybeing programmed) and NAND string 340 is being programmed (e.g., it is aselected NAND string which contains a storage element which is currentlybeing programmed), program disturb can occur at NAND string 320. Forexample, if a pass voltage, V_(PASS), is low, the channel of theinhibited NAND string is not well boosted, and a selected word line ofthe unselected NAND string can be unintentionally programmed. In anotherpossible scenario, the boosted voltage can be lowered by Gate InducedDrain Leakage (GIDL) or other leakage mechanisms, resulting in the sameproblem. Other effects, such as shifts in the V_(TH) of a charge storageelement due to capacitive coupling with other neighboring storageelements that are programmed later, can also contribute to programdisturb. Program disturb can be reduced by the shield plateconfiguration and control techniques described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of a NAND string. The view issimplified and not to scale. The NAND string 400 includes a source-sideselect gate 406, a drain-side select gate 424, and eight storageelements 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 and 422, formed on asubstrate 490. The components can be formed on a p-well region 492 whichitself is formed in an n-well region 494 of a p-type substrate region496. The regions collectively are part of a substrate 490. The n-wellcan in turn be formed in a p-substrate. A source supply line 404 with apotential of V_(SOURCE) is provided in addition to a bit line 426 with apotential of V_(BL). The word lines receive respective voltagesaccording to operation which is being performed, e.g., programming,sensing (read or verify) or erasing. Further, recall that the controlgate of a storage element may be provided as a portion of the word line.For example, WL0, WL1, WL2, WL3, WL4, WL5, WL6 and WL7 can extend viathe control gates of storage elements 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420and 422, respectively. Source/drain regions, examples of which are shownat 430, are provided between the storage elements by doping the p-wellregion 492 after the storage elements are formed, in one approach. Thesource side of a word line or non-volatile storage element refers to theside which faces the source end of the NAND string, e.g., at sourcesupply line 404, while the drain side of a word line or non-volatilestorage element refers to the side which faces the drain end of the NANDstring, e.g., at bit line 426.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a NAND string with shieldplates, where source/drain regions are provided in the substrate betweenstorage elements. Here, a number of shield plates are provided from aconductive material to provide shielding of electromagnetic radiationbetween the floating gates of adjacent non-volatile storage elements.The conductive material may include a metal, such as W or Ta, which maybe used with a barrier metal, such as WN, TaN or TiN. The conductivematerial may include doped polysilicon or silicide such as WSi, TiSi,CoSi or NiSi. For example, shield plate SP0 500 is provided between SGS406 and storage element 408, shield plate SP1 502 is provided betweenstorage elements 408 and 410, shield plate SP2 504 is provided betweenstorage elements 410 and 412, shield plate SP3 506 is provided betweenstorage elements 412 and 414, shield plate SP4 508 is provided betweenstorage elements 414 and 416, shield plate SP5 510 is provided betweenstorage elements 416 and 418, shield plate SP6 512 is provided betweenstorage elements 418 and 420, shield plate SP7 514 is provided betweenstorage elements 420 and 422, and shield plate SP8 516 is providedbetween storage element 422 and SGD 424. Each shield plate or member canbe located between the floating gates of adjacent storage elements whichare associated with adjacent word lines. This configuration reducesfloating gate-to-floating gate coupling during read or programoperations, for instance. Note that it is not necessary for the shieldplate to extend to the top of the storage elements/word lines asdepicted. However, each shield plate can extend to the top of thestorage elements/word lines or beyond to reduce control gate/wordline-to-floating gate coupling as well. The shield plates may have agenerally rectangular cross section, in one approach.

The shield plates can be independently controllable to optimize theireffect during programming, sensing (read/verify) and erase operations bycoupling a desired voltage to each shield plate. This is an advantageover approaches which uses commonly controllable shield plates. Further,the shield plates can allow the use of reduced program voltages sincethey can provide some coupling of voltage to the floating gate of astorage element being programmed. As a result, program disturb isreduced.

FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of a NAND string with shieldplates, where source/drain regions are not provided in the substratebetween storage elements. In one embodiment, it is not necessary toprovide source/drain regions in the p-well region 492 of the substratesince a field induced conductivity between storage elements can beprovided due to the shield plates. For example, during sensingoperations, such as reading or verifying, a conductive path can beestablished in a NAND string when a selected storage element is in anon/conductive state. Such a conductive path can be established betweenthe bit line contact and the cell source contact via a channel formed bythe drain select gate, shield plates, word lines/control gates andsource select gate, e.g., from the select gate SGD 424 to SP8 516, toWL7, to SP7 514, to WL6, to SP6 512, and so forth, until the select gateSGS 406 and source are reached. Essentially, a virtual junction isformed between the storage elements when an appropriate voltage, such asabout 4-5 V is applied to the shield plates and VSS=0 V, for instance,is applied to the word lines. The sensing operation thus does not relyon a conductive path in the substrate. Further, since the shield platesare independently controllable, their voltages can be adjusted optimallyaccording to the control scheme. The use of such virtual junctions isalso beneficial to prevent the short channel effect where source/drainregions are not provided. Moreover, avoiding the need for source/drainregions avoids the corresponding steps in the fabrication process.

In order to create virtual junctions by field induced conductivitybetween the storage elements and shield plates, a positive voltage isapplied to the shield plates and storage elements. However, the shieldplate voltages will affect the selected word line read voltage due tocoupling of the shield plate voltages to the floating gates. Thecoupling will be proportional to the shield plate voltage×a couplingratio C(SP-FG/total FG), which could be approximately 5 to 15%. If theshield plate voltage is high, the selected word line read voltage willincrease. To reduce the virtual source-drain junction, a higher shieldplate voltage should be used, while to reduce the selected word lineread voltage, a lower shield plate voltage should be used. To addressthese conflicting goals, alternatingly higher and lower shield platevoltages (VRSPH and VRSPL, respectively) can be used on alternate shieldplates, in one possible approach. However, it is also possible use acommon shield plate voltage (VRSP) on all shield plates.

A process for fabricating a non-volatile storage device with shieldplates is now discussed.

FIG. 7 a depicts a layered semiconductor device, showing across-sectional view across NAND strings. An intermediate stage offabrication is depicted. The formation of the device up to this pointmay follow a conventional technique where a first dielectric layer 710(e.g., a gate oxide layer) is formed over a substrate 712 andsubsequently a first polysilicon (poly) layer 708 is formed over thefirst dielectric layer 710. The first polysilicon layer 708, which isdoped so that it is electrically conductive, is used to form thefloating gates of the storage elements. Shallow trench isolation (STI)structures 714 are formed by patterning the substrate 712 and etchingtrenches through the first polysilicon layer 708 and the firstdielectric layer 710. The trenches also extend into the substrate 712.The trenches are filled with STI material (a suitable dielectricmaterial such as SiO₂) to provide electrical insulation between NANDstrings. Thus, strips of STI material form STI structures 714 thatextend across the substrate 712 (in a direction perpendicular to thecross section of the figure) separated by strips of the firstpolysilicon layer 708.

Subsequently, a second dielectric layer 706 such as an O—N—O layer isprovided on the poly layer 708. An O—N—O layer is a triple layerdielectric formed of silicon oxide, silicon nitride and silicon oxide. Asecond polysilicon layer 704 is deposited that overlies the STIstructures 714 and the strips of first polysilicon material 708. Thesecond polysilicon layer 704, which is also doped and electricallyconductive, is separated from the strips of the first polysilicon 710 bythe second dielectric layer 706. The second polysilicon layer 704 isused to form the word lines and the control gates of the storageelements. A masking layer 702 is formed over the second polysiliconlayer 704. In this case, the masking layer 702 is formed of a dielectricsuch as Silicon Nitride (SiN), although other suitable masking materialsmay also be used.

FIG. 7 b depicts a view along a NAND string of the layered semiconductordevice of FIG. 7 a, where a photoresist layer is applied and patterned.FIG. 7 b shows a cross section of the NAND array of FIG. 7 a along adirection that is at right angles to the cross section of FIG. 7 a.Thus, FIG. 7 b shows a single strip of the first polysilicon material708 in cross section with the second polysilicon layer 704 overlying thestrip. FIG. 7 b also shows portions of a photoresist (PR) overlying themasking layer 702. The patterned photoresist layer 716 is formed byapplying a blanket layer of photoresist and then patterning thephotoresist using a lithographic process. In one approach, thephotoresist is patterned by being exposed to UV light, although otherpatterning processes such as e-beam lithography may also be used.

FIG. 7 c depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 b, afterphotoresist slimming. Resist slimming involves subjecting portions ofthe photoresist to etching to remove at least some photoresist and tomake portions of the photoresist narrower. A conventional etch such as adry etch may be used for this step.

FIG. 7 d depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 c, after SiNetching and photoresist stripping. Subsequent to resist slimming, theslimmed portions of photoresist are used to pattern the underlying SiNmasking layer 702. An etch is performed so that unexposed portions ofthe masking layer 702 are removed. The remaining portions of thephotoresist 716 are then removed. FIG. 7 d shows the resulting structurealong the same cross section as FIG. 7 c. The etch stops when the secondpolysilicon layer 704 is reached.

FIG. 7 e depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 d, aftersilicon dioxide (SiO₂) deposition. An SiO₂ layer 718 is formed as athird dielectric layer that overlies the masking portions of the SiNlayer 702 and the exposed areas of the second polysilicon layer 704. TheSiO₂ layer 718, which may be formed as a blanket layer by a conventionalprocess such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), can be a thicker thanthe dielectric layers 706 and 710, in one approach. The SiO₂ layer 718extends along exposed portions of the second polysilicon and along thetop surfaces and sidewalls of the masking portions 702.

FIG. 7 f depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 e, after aphotoresist mask for select gates is provided. The photoresist portions719 and 720 of the mask may be formed by covering the structure withphotoresist, then patterning the photoresist using a lithographicprocess to remove unwanted portions of photoresist. The photoresistportions 719 and 720 extend over portions of SiO₂ layer 718 thatdirectly overlie the second polysilicon layer 704. An etch is thenperformed to remove certain exposed portions of the SiO₂ layer 718. Thephotoresist mask may also be used for areas in which word line andshield plate contacts are subsequently formed.

FIG. 7 g depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 f, afterSiO₂ etching and photoresist stripping. In one approach, anisotropicetching such as Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) is used so that the SiO₂layer 718 is etched through in some places but portions of the SiO₂layer 718 remain along sidewalls of the SiN masking portions 702 assidewall spacers. The dimensions of the sidewall spacers are determinedby the thickness of SiO₂ layer 718 and by the nature of the anisotropicetch used. After the etch is completed, a photoresist strip is alsoperformed to remove photoresist portions 719 and 720. The sidewallspacers, which subsequently establish the locations of select gate linesand word lines, and do not require separate alignment.

FIG. 7 h depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 g, after awet etch to remove the portions of the SiN layer 702, thereby leavingportions of the SiO₂ layer 718 in place overlying the second polysiliconlayer 704. Subsequently, the remaining portions of the SiO₂ layer 718are used as an etch mask to pattern underlying layers to form a memoryarray.

In particular, FIG. 7 i depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 h, after an etch step is carried out to etch through the polysiliconlayer 704, stopping at the O—N—O layer 706.

FIG. 7 j depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 i, after anO—N—O and poly etch. Here, the O—N—O layer 706, polysilicon layer 708and dielectric layer 710 are etched, stopping at the substrate 712. Thisetch step separates the polysilicon layer 704 into separate word lines,and separates the polysilicon layer 708 into separate floating gates.The word lines form control gates where they overlie floating gates inrespective storage elements 721. Select gates 723 and 724 are similarlyformed. Because the word lines and the floating gates are formed by thesame etch step, they are self aligned. Source/drain regions 722 betweenthe storage elements 721 can also be provided by implanting dopants intoexposed areas of the substrate 712. These exposed areas lie betweenfloating gates so that they connect storage elements of a NAND string inone approach.

FIG. 7 k depicts the layered semiconductor device of FIG. 7 j, aftershield plates are formed by poly deposition and chemical mechanicalpolishing (CMP). A dielectric layer 721 is deposited over the layeredstructure, and poly deposited over the dielectric layer. In an exampleimplementation, the dielectric layer includes SiO₂, SiO₂—SiN—SiO₂,SiO₂—AlO—SiO₂ or SiO₂—HfO—SiO₂, has a physical thickness of about 9-12nm and an effective thickness of about 7-11 nm. CMP is performed toplanarize the surface. The poly may be doped to provided the desiredconductivity. Subsequently, the memory array may be covered by aprotective layer such as a thick dielectric layer or other protectivematerial. The resulting structure includes shield plates 725 which areformed between adjacent storage elements, and between the select gatesand the storage elements adjacent to the select gates. The shield plates725 are insulated from one another and from the storage elements so thatthey are independently controllable. Each shield plate extends betweendifferent adjacent storage elements which are associated with adjacentword lines. The shield plates also extend transversely to the NANDstrings. As a result, various optimized control modes can be providedduring programming, read and erase operations as described furtherbelow.

In the above figures, a simplified example has been provided with onlyfour storage elements in a NAND string. In practice, many more storageelements can be provided in a NAND string. Additionally, the fabricationprocess covers a wider area of the substrate so that many sets of NANDstrings are formed on a common substrate. Further, not all details havebeen depicted, and the figures are not necessarily to scale. Thefollowing figures similarly do not necessarily depict all details.Further, note that the shading and patterns used do not necessarilycorrespond to the previous figures.

FIG. 8 a depicts a top or plan view of the layered semiconductor deviceof FIG. 7 b. In this and the following figures, a region of thesubstrate is depicted which results in the formation of two sets ofstorage elements and associated word lines, shield plates and contacts.Each set of storage elements includes eight word lines and nine shieldplates. Further, source select gates are provided in regions 802 and 804while drain select gates are provided in regions 800 and 806. Inparticular, a patterned photoresist portion 801 is shown extendingacross the memory array to form a closed loop. In some memory arrays,several similar concentric loops may be used. Concentric openings aresimilarly formed between the photoresist portions 801, in addition tovarious openings which are subsequently used to provide word line andshield plate contacts.

FIG. 8 b depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 c, after photoresist slimming is performed. As discussed, this resultsin narrowed photoresist portions 810.

FIG. 8 c depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 d, after SiN etch and photoresist stripping. In this step, the SiNlayer is patterned based on the photoresist layer and the photoresistlayer is removed.

FIG. 8 d depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 f. SiO₂ deposition is performed across the layered structure andphotoresist masks, such as example mask 810, are provided in areas forforming word line and shield plate contacts.

FIG. 8 e depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 g. SiO₂ etching and photoresist stripping is performed, leaving SiNportions and SiO₂ sidewall spacers.

FIG. 8 f depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device of FIG.7 h. The wet etch removes portions of the SiN layer, thereby leavingportions of the SiO₂ sidewall spacers.

FIG. 8 g depicts a top view of the layered semiconductor device offormed from the device FIG. 8 f, showing word line contacts and shieldplate contacts shared by two sets of storage elements. After theprocessing depicted in FIGS. 7 i-k, the word lines and shield plates areformed along with their contact points. In the figure, “W” denotes aword line contact and “S” denotes a shield plate contact. These arecontact points at which different voltages can be coupled to the wordlines or shield plates, respectively, according to a desired controlscheme. For example, a first set of storage elements 820 includes anumber of shield plates and word lines which extend alternately betweena source select gate 824 and a drain select gate 822. Similarly, asecond set of storage elements 826 includes a number of shield platesand word lines which extend alternately between a source select gate 828and a drain select gate 830. The word lines are shared by the two setsof storage elements. For example, word line contact 832 is coupled toWL0, which extends in a circuit through both sets of storage elements.Likewise, word line contact 834 is coupled to WL1, word line contact 836is coupled to WL2, word line contact 838 is coupled to WL3, word linecontact 840 is coupled to WL4, word line contact 842 is coupled to WL5,word line contact 844 is coupled to WL6, and word line contact 846 iscoupled to a last word line, WL7. Again, eight word lines are providedas an example only.

Similarly, the shield plates are shared by the two sets of storageelements. For example, shield plate contact 850 is coupled to a firstshield plate, SP0, which extends in a circuit through both sets ofstorage elements. In particular, SP0 extends between SGS 824 and WL0 inthe first set of storage elements 820, and between SGS 828 and WL0 inthe second set of storage elements 826. Shield plate contact 852 iscoupled to SP1, which extends between WL0 and WL1. Shield plate contact854 is coupled to SP2, which extends between WL1 and WL2. Shield platecontact 856 is coupled to SP3, which extends between WL2 and WL3. Shieldplate contact 858 is coupled to SP4, which extends between WL3 and WL4.Shield plate contact 860 is coupled to SP5, which extends between WL4and WL5. Shield plate contact 862 is coupled to SP6, which extendsbetween WL5 and WL6. Shield plate contact 864 is coupled to SP7, whichextends between WL6 and WL7. Shield plate contact 866 is coupled to SP8,which extends between WL7 and SGD 822 in the first set of storageelements 820, and between WL7 and SGD 830 in the second set of storageelements 826.

In this configuration, voltages can be coupled independently to a givenword line or shield plate which is shared among the two sets of storageelements 820 and 826. Appropriate control circuit can be used to coupledesired voltages to the contacts.

Note that the arrangement shown is an example only as other arrangementsare possible. For example, one or more additional sets of storageelements can be arranged at the left or right side of the sets ofstorage elements 820 and 826. In this case, the word lines that extendhorizontally in the figure can extend further horizontally across theadditional sets of storage elements. Further, one or more sets ofstorage elements could be provided in the region where the word linesextend vertically in the figure, for instance.

FIG. 8 h depicts a top view of an alternative layered semiconductordevice, showing shared word line contacts and separate shield platecontacts for each set of storage elements. In comparison to theconfiguration of FIG. 8 g, additional shield plate contacts 872-886 areadded at a side of the sets of storage elements 820 and 826 which isopposite to the side at which the contacts discussed in connection withFIG. 8 g are located. Photolithographic techniques which are similar tothose discussed previously can be used to create these additional shieldplate contacts. In particular, these additional shield plate contactsare coupled to shield plates which extend through the second set ofstorage elements 826 but not the first set of storage elements due toisolation structures 887 and 888. These isolation structures can beformed from a dielectric material using techniques which should beapparent to those skilled in the art to short circuit the shield platesso that the shield plates which extend in the first set of storageelements 820, and are coupled to contacts on the right hand side of thefigure, do not communicate with the second set of storage elements 826,and the shield plates which extend in the second set of storage elements826, and are coupled to contacts on the left hand side of the figure, donot communicate with the first set of storage elements 820.

Specifically, at the left hand side of the figure, shield plate contact872 is coupled to SP1, shield plate contact 874 is coupled to SP2,shield plate contact 876 is coupled to SP3, shield plate contact 878 iscoupled to SP4, shield plate contact 880 is coupled to SP5, shield platecontact 882 is coupled to SP6, shield plate contact 884 is coupled toSP7, and shield plate contact 886 is coupled to SP8. Note that theshield plate contact 850 (see FIG. 8 g) can be used for both sets ofstorage elements, in one approach. It is also possible to provideseparate shield plates contacts which are coupled to separate shieldplates between SGS 824 and WL0 in the first set of storage elements 820,and between SGS 828 and WL0 in the second set of storage elements 826.In this case, appropriate insulating structures are used to insulate theshield plates from one another.

In this configuration, voltages can be coupled independently to a givenword line which is shared among two sets of storage elements, and to agiven shield plate which is associated with a given set of storageelements. As before, appropriate control circuit can be used to coupledesired voltages to the contacts.

FIG. 8 i depicts a top view of an alternative layered semiconductordevice, showing separate word line contacts and shield plate contactsfor each set of storage elements. In comparison to the configuration ofFIG. 8 h, additional word line contacts 890-897 are added at the leftside of the sets of storage elements 820 and 826. Photolithographictechniques which are similar to those discussed previously can be usedto create these additional word line contacts. In particular, theseadditional word line contacts are coupled to word lines which extendthrough the second set of storage elements 826 but not the first set ofstorage elements due to isolation structures 898 and 899. Theseisolation structures can be formed from a dielectric material usingtechniques which should be apparent to those skilled in the art to shortcircuit the word lines so that the word lines which extend in the firstset of storage elements 820, and are coupled to contacts on the righthand side of the figure, do not communicate with the second set ofstorage elements 826, and the word lines which extend in the second setof storage elements 826, and are coupled to contacts on the left handside of the figure, do not communicate with the first set of storageelements 820.

Specifically, at the left hand side of the figure, word line contact 890is coupled to WL0, word line contact 891 is coupled to WL1, word linecontact 892 is coupled to WL2, word line contact 893 is coupled to WL3,word line contact 894 is coupled to WL4, word line contact 895 iscoupled to WL5, word line contact 896 is coupled to WL6, and word linecontact 897 is coupled to WL7.

In this configuration, voltages can be coupled independently to a givenword line which is associated with a given set of storage elements andto a given shield plate which is associated with a given set of storageelements. As before, appropriate control circuitry can be used to coupledesired voltages to the contacts.

FIG. 9 depicts four blocks or other sets of storage elements in anarray, where word lines and shield plates are shared by a pair ofblocks. Here, four blocks 900, 910, 920 and 930 are depicted as anexample, although additional pairs of blocks may be used. Further, theblocks may be provided on a common p-well. Blocks n and n+1 share wordlines and shield plates, and blocks n+2 and n+3 share word lines andshield plates, in one possible configuration. As an illustration, eightword lines WL0 through WL7 and nine shield plates SP0 through SP8 areprovided. The word lines are depicted by solid lines at the right handside of the block while the shield plates are depicted by dashed lines.The drain select gate (SGD) and source select gate (SGS) are alsodepicted for each block. In one approach, each pair of blocks sharerow/word line decoding and shield plate decoding since the word linesand shield plates are shared, while each block has its own select gatesource and drain decoding.

FIG. 10 depicts a process for fabricating non-volatile storage withshield plates. Step 1000 includes forming a layered structure, e.g., asdepicted in FIG. 7 a. Step 1005 includes applying a photoresist andpatterning the photoresist (see FIG. 7 b). Step 1010 includesphotoresist slimming (see FIG. 7 c). Step 1015 includes SiN etching andphotoresist stripping. Step 1020 includes SiO₂ deposition (see FIG. 7e). Step 1025 includes applying a photoresist mask for the select gates(see FIG. 7 f). Step 1030 includes performing an SiO₂ etch andphotoresist stripping. Step 1035 includes performing an SiN wet etch(see FIG. 7 h). Step 1040 includes performing a poly etch for the upperpoly layer used for the word lines (see FIG. 7 i). Step 1045 includesetching the O—N—O layer and the lower poly layer used for the floatinggates (see FIG. 7 j). Step 1050 includes depositing and polishing a polylayer to provide the shield plates (see FIG. 7 k).

FIG. 11 is a flow chart describing one embodiment of a method forprogramming non-volatile memory. In one implementation, storage elementsare erased (in blocks or other units) prior to programming. In step1100, a “data load” command is issued by control circuitry. In step1105, address data designating the page address is input to a decoderfrom a controller or host. In step 1110, a page of program data for theaddressed page is input to a data buffer for programming. That data islatched in the appropriate set of latches. In step 1115, a “program”command is issued.

Triggered by the “program” command, the data latched in step 1110 willbe programmed into the selected storage elements using the steppedprogram pulses 1205, 1210, 1215, 1220, 1225, 1230, 1235, 1240, 1245,1250, . . . of the pulse train 1200 of FIG. 12 applied to theappropriate selected word line. In step 1120, the program voltage,V_(PGM), is initialized to the starting pulse (e.g., 13 V or othervalue) and a program counter (PC) is initialized at zero. In step 1125,the shield plate voltages for programming are applied according to adesired programming control scheme (see examples further below). In step1130, the first V_(PGM) pulse is applied to the selected word line tobegin programming storage elements associated with the selected wordline. If logic “0” is stored in a particular data latch indicating thatthe corresponding storage element should be programmed, then thecorresponding bit line is grounded. On the other hand, if logic “1” isstored in the particular latch indicating that the corresponding storageelement should remain in its current data state, then the correspondingbit line is connected to Vdd, an internal regulated voltage of about 2V, to inhibit programming.

In step 1135, the shield plate voltages are applied according to adesired sensing control scheme (see examples further below). In step1140, the states of the selected storage elements are verified. If it isdetected that the target threshold voltage of a selected storage elementhas reached the appropriate level, then the data stored in thecorresponding data latch is changed to a logic “1.” If it is detectedthat the threshold voltage has not reached the appropriate level, thedata stored in the corresponding data latch is not changed. In thismanner, a bit line having a logic “1” stored in its corresponding datalatch does not need to be programmed. When all of the data latches arestoring logic “1,” all selected storage elements have been programmed.In step 1145 (verify status), a check is made as to whether all of thedata latches are storing logic “1.” If all of the data latches arestoring logic “1,” the programming process is complete and successfulbecause all selected storage elements were programmed and verified. Astatus of “PASS” is reported in step 1150.

If, in step 1145, it is determined that not all of the data latches arestoring logic “1,” then the programming process continues. In step 1155,the program counter PC is checked against a program limit value PCmax.One example of a program limit value is twenty; however, other numberscan also be used. If the program counter PC is not less than PCmax, thenthe program process has failed and a status of “FAIL” is reported instep 1160. If the program counter PC is less than PCmax, then V_(PGM) isincreased by the step size and the program counter PC is incremented instep 1165 and the process loops back to step 1125.

FIG. 12 depicts an example pulse train 1200 applied to the control gatesof non-volatile storage elements during programming. The pulse train1200 includes a series of program pulses 1205, 1210, 1215, 1220, 1225,1230, 1235, 1240, 1245, 1250, . . . , that are applied to a word lineselected for programming. In one embodiment, the programming pulses havea voltage, V_(PGM), which starts at 13 V and increases by increments,e.g., 0.5 V, for each successive programming pulse until a maximum of 21V is reached. In between the program pulses are verify pulses. Forexample, verify pulse set 1206 includes three verify pulses. In someembodiments, there can be a verify pulse for each state that data isbeing programmed into, e.g., state A, B and C. In other embodiments,there can be more or fewer verify pulses.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart describing one embodiment of a process forreading a non-volatile memory. The read process begins at step 1300. Instep 1310, the shield plate voltages for sensing are applied accordingto the desired control scheme. At step 1320, V_(CGR) is set based on thehighest read level, for instance. Step 1330 includes applying V_(CGR) tothe selected word line and applying voltages to the unselected wordlines according to the control scheme. At step 1340 a determination ismade as to when the selected storage element transitions from off to on.If there is a next read level, at decision step 1350, the processcontinues at step 1320 with a different V_(CGR). If there is no nextread level, the read process ends at step 1360.

Example control schemes are provided below as illustrations. The controlschemes apply to the case where word lines and shield plates are sharedby two blocks of storage elements. However, the control schemes can beused as well for a single block or other set of storage elements. Othercontrol schemes are also possible.

Table 1 depicts voltages which may be used during a sense operation,e.g., read or verify operation, for an embodiment which does not usesource/drain implants. See also FIG. 6. In this table and the othertables, an operation is performed on block n+1, where blocks n and n+1share word lines and shield plates. However, voltages for performing theoperation on block n are analogous. Specifically, the voltages appliedto SGD and SGS for block n+1 as depicted would be applied to block n,and the voltages applied to SGD and SGS for block n as depicted would beapplied to block n+1. Similarly, voltages for performing the operationon block n+2 or n+3 are analogous. Moreover, the control schemes can beadapted for use with word lines and/or shield plates which are notshared among sets of storage elements by controlling a non-shared set ofword lines and/or shield plates using the voltages provided.

Voltages which are applied to the drain select gate (SGD), word lines,source select gate (SGS), array source and p-well are depicted. In anexample implementation, VREAD (the read pass voltage which is applied tounselected word lines) is about 4.5 V, VRSPH (read, shield plate, highvoltage) is about 4 V, VRSPL (read, shield plate, low voltage) is about2 V and VSS (steady state voltage) is about 0 V. Note that VRSPL can beabout 30 to 90% of VRSPH in one possible approach. Further, VRSPH can beabout 50 to 150% of VREAD. VCGR (control gate read voltage) is appliedto the selected word line and varies for the different compare levelsassociated with different programming states or conditions. VGCR is setat the different levels at different times to determine when theselected storage elements transition between an on/off states. The value“i” denotes the number of word lines, and the word lines are numberedfrom WL0 at the source side of a NAND string to WLi−1 at the drain sideof a NAND string. The shield plates are numbered from SP0 at the sourceside of WL0 to SPi at the drain side of WLi−1.

VREAD is applied to the unselected word lines while VCGR is applied tothe selected word line. Further, VRSPL is applied to the shield plateswhich are adjacent to the selected word line. Specifically, VRSPL isapplied to SPn, which is on the source side of WLn, and to SPn+1, whichis on the drain side of WLn. The remaining shield plates receive VRSPHand VRSPL alternatingly, e.g., VRSPH on SPn+2, VRSPL on SPn+3, VRSPH onSPn+4, etc., and VRSPH on SPn−1, VRSPL on SPn−2, VRSPH on SPn−3, etc.Moreover, voltages are floated on the word lines and shield plates forthe other pair of blocks, blocks n+2 and n+3, which are formed on thesame p-well as blocks n and n+1.

TABLE 1 Sensing w/o source-drain implants Block n Block n + 1 Block n +2 Block n + 3 SGD VSS VSGD VSS WLn + 1 to VREAD float WLi − 1 WLn(selected) VCGR WL0 to WLn − 1 VREAD SGS VSS VSGS VSS SPn + 3 to SPiVRSPL or VRSPH float alternating SPn + 2 VRSPH SPn + 1 VRSPL SPn VRSPLSPn − 1 VRSPH SP0 to SPn − 2 VRSPL or VRSPH alternating Array source VSSP-well VSS

Table 2 depicts an alternative to the control scheme of Table 1, and maybe used for sensing with or without source-drain implants. Here, asingle shield plate voltage VRSP is used instead of high and low shieldplate voltages, VRSPH and VRSPL, respectively. In an exampleimplementation, VRSP is about 4-5 V. VRSP can be about 50 to 150% ofVREAD, for instance. VSS (0 V) is applied to the shield plates which areadjacent to the selected word line. Specifically, VSS is applied to SPn,which is on the source side of WLn, and to SPn+1, which is on the drainside of WLn. The remaining unselected shield plates receive VSS and VRSPalternatingly, e.g., VRSP on SPn+2, VSS on SPn+3, VRSP on SPn+4, etc.,and VRSP on SPn−1, VSS on SPn−2, VRSP on SPn−3, etc.

TABLE 2 Sensing w/ or w/o source-drain implants Block n Block n + 1Block n + 2 Block n + 3 SGD VSS VSGD VSS WLn + 1 to VREAD Float WLi − 1WLn (selected) VCGR WL0 to WLn − 1 VREAD SGS VSS VSGS VSS SPn + 3 to SPiVRSP or VSS Float alternating SPn + 2 VRSP SPn + 1 VSS SPn VSS SPn − 1VRSP SP0 to SPn − 2 VRSP or VSS alternating Array source VSS P-well VSS

Table 3 depicts voltages which maybe used during a programming operationfor embodiments with or without source/drain implants, in aself-boosting mode. In an example implementation, VPASS (the passvoltage which is applied to unselected word lines) is about 9 V, VPSPH(program, shield plate, high voltage) is also about 9 V, VPSPL (program,shield plate, low voltage) is about 6 V and VDD (internal regulatedvoltage) is about 2 V. VTH is the threshold voltage of the drain selectgate and may be about 0.7-1.2 V. Note that VPSPL can be about 50 to 90%of VPSPH in one possible approach. Further, VPSPH can be about 50 to100% of VPGM. VPGM (programming voltage) is applied to the selected wordline and typically increases in a step wise manner from about 13 to 21V. See FIG. 12.

VPASS is applied to the unselected word lines while VPGM is applied tothe selected word line. Further, VPSPH is applied to the shield plateswhich are adjacent to the selected word line. Specifically, VRSPH isapplied to SPn, which is on the source side of WLn, and to SPn+1, whichis on the drain side of WLn. The remaining unselected shield platesreceive VPSPH and VPSPL alternatingly, e.g., VPSPL on SPn+2, VPSPH onSPn+3, VPSPL on SPn+4, etc., and VPSPL on SPn−1, VPSPH on SPn−2, VPSPLon SPn−3, etc. Moreover, voltages are floated on the word lines andshield plates for blocks n+2 and n+3.

TABLE 3 Programming w/ or w/o source-drain implants, self-boosting modeBlock n Block n + 1 Block n + 2 Block n + 3 SGD VSS VDD + VTH VSS WLn +1 to VPASS float WLi − 1 WLn (selected) VPGM WL0 to WLn − 1 VPASS SGSVSS 0 V VSS VSS SPn + 3 to SPi VPSPL or VPSPH float alternating SPn + 2VPSPL SPn + 1 VPSPH SPn VPSPH SPn − 1 VPSPL SP0 to SPn − 2 VPSPL orVPSPH alternating Array source VDD P-well VSS

Table 4 depicts voltages which maybe used during a programming operationfor embodiments without source/drain implants, in an erased area selfboosting (EASB) mode. In an example implementation, VPASS is about 9 V,VPSPH is about 10 V, VPSPL is about 6 V and VDD is about 2 V. VPASS isapplied to the unselected word lines except for WLn−1, which receivesVDD, and WLn−2, which receives 0 V. VPGM is applied to the selected wordline. Further, VPSPH is applied to the shield plates which are adjacentto the selected word line. Specifically, VRSPH is applied to SPn, whichis on the source side of WLn, and to SPn+1, which is on the drain sideof WLn. The remaining unselected shield plates receive VPSPH and VPSPLalternatingly, except for SPn−1 and SPn−2, which receive VDD. Forexample, the control provides VPSPL on SPn+2, VPSPH on SPn+3, VPSPL onSPn+4, etc., and VPSPH on SPn−3, VPSPL on SPn−4, VPSPH on SPn−5, etc.Moreover, voltages are floated on the word lines and shield plates forblocks n+2 and n+3.

For programming a memory device which includes source-drain implants, inthe EASB mode, the control scheme of Table 4 may be used except VSSreplaces VDD on the designated shield plates and word line.

TABLE 4 Programming w/o source-drain implants, erased area self-boostingmode Block n Block n + 1 Block n + 2 Block n + 3 SGD VSS VDD + VTH VSSWLn + 1 to VPASS Float WLi − 1 WLn (selected) VPGM WLn − 1 VDD WLn − 2 0V WL0 to WLn − 3 VPASS SGS VSS 0 V VSS SPn + 3 to SPi VPSPL or VPSPHFloat alternating SPn + 2 VPSPL SPn + 1 VPSPH SPn VPSPH SPn − 1 VDD SPn− 2 VDD SPn − 3 VPSPH SP0 to SPn − 4 VPSPL or VPSPH alternating Arraysource VDD P-well VSS

Table 5 depicts voltages which maybe used during a programming operationfor embodiments without source/drain implants, in a local self boosting(LSB) mode. In an example implementation, VPASS is about 9 V, VPSPH isabout 10 V, VPSPL is about 6 V and VDD is about 2 V. VPASS is applied tothe unselected word lines except for WLn−1 and WLn+1, which receive VDD,and WLn−2 and WLn+2, which receive 0 V. VPGM is applied to the selectedword line. Further, VPSPH is applied to the shield plates which areadjacent to the selected word line. Specifically, VRSPH is applied toSPn, which is on the source side of WLn, and to SPn+1, which is on thedrain side of WLn. The remaining unselected shield plates receive VPSPHand VPSPL alternatingly, except for SPn−1, SPn−2, SPn+2 and SPn+3, whichreceive VDD. For example, the control provides VPSPH on SPn+4, VPSPL onSPn+5, VPSPH on SPn+6, etc., and VPSPH on SPn−3, VPSPL on SPn−4, VPSPHon SPn−5, etc. Moreover, voltages are floated on the word lines andshield plates for blocks n+2 and n+3.

For programming a memory device which includes source-drain implants, inthe LSB mode, the control scheme of Table 5 may be used except VSSreplaces VDD on the designated shield plates and word lines.

TABLE 5 Programming w/o source-drain implants, local self-boosting modeBlock n Block n + 1 Block n + 2 Block n + 3 SGD VSS VDD + VTH VSS WLn +3 to VPASS Float WLi − 1 WLn + 2 0 V WLn + 1 VDD WLn (selected) VPGM WLn− 1 VDD WLn − 2 0 V WL0 to WLn − 3 VPASS SGS VSS 0 V VSS SPn + 3 to SPiVPSPL or VPSPH Float alternating SPn + 4 VPSPH SPn + 3 VDD SPn + 2 VDDSPn + 1 VPSPH SPn VPSPH SPn − 1 VDD SPn − 2 VDD SPn − 3 VPSPH SP0 to SPn− 4 VPSPL or VPSPH alternating Array source VDD P-well VSS

Table 6 depicts voltages which maybe used during an erase operation forembodiments with or without source/drain implants. In an exampleimplementation, VERASE (erase voltage) is about 20 V. This relativelyhigh voltage is applied to the p-well while VSS is applied to the wordlines and shield plates of the blocks being erased, e.g., blocks n andn+1, removing charge which is stored in the floating gates of thestorage elements. Voltages are floated on the word lines and shieldplates for blocks n+2 and n+3.

TABLE 6 Erasing w/ or w/o source-drain implants Block n Block n + 1Block n + 2 Block n + 3 SGD Float WL0 to WLi − 1 VSS Float SGS Float SP0to SPi Array source P-well VERASE

The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The described embodiments were chosen in order to best explainthe principles of the invention and its practical application, tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionin various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. A non-volatile storage apparatus, comprising: a substrate on which aplurality of non-volatile storage elements are formed; a plurality ofword lines in communication with the plurality of non-volatile storageelements; and a plurality of shield plates, each shield plate extendsbetween different adjacent non-volatile storage elements which areassociated with adjacent word lines, each shield plate is electricallyconductive and independently controllable.
 2. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at least one control circuitfor coupling a voltage independently to each shield plate.
 3. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein: each shield platecomprises a conductive material which extends at least in part betweenfloating gates of the different adjacent non-volatile storage elementsbetween which the shield plate extends.
 4. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of non-volatile storageelements are arranged in NAND strings, the plurality of shield platesextend transversely to the NAND strings.
 5. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first plurality ofelectrical contacts carried by the substrate laterally of a region ofthe substrate on which the plurality of non-volatile storage elementsare formed, each electrical contact of the first plurality of electricalcontacts is associated with a corresponding shield plate for coupling avoltage thereto.
 6. The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 5,further comprising: a second plurality of electrical contacts carried bythe substrate laterally of the region, each electrical contact of thesecond plurality of electrical contacts is associated with acorresponding word line for coupling a voltage thereto.
 7. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the first and secondplurality of electrical contacts are carried by the substrate on acommon side of the region.
 8. A non-volatile storage apparatus,comprising: a substrate on which a plurality of non-volatile storageelements are formed, the plurality of non-volatile storage elements arearranged in first and second sets; a plurality of word lines incommunication with the plurality of non-volatile storage elements of thefirst and second sets; a first plurality of shield plates, each shieldplate of the first plurality of shield plates extends between differentadjacent non-volatile storage elements which are associated withadjacent word lines of the first set; and a second plurality of shieldplates, each shield plate of the second plurality of shield platesextends between different adjacent non-volatile storage elements whichare associated with adjacent word lines of the second set, pairs ofshield plates are coupled by an associated conductive path, each pair ofshield plates comprises a shield plate in the first set and anassociated shield plate in the second set.
 9. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 8, further comprising: at least one control circuitfor coupling a voltage independently to each pair of shield plates. 10.The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 8, wherein: each pair ofshield plates is electrically conductive and independently controllable.11. The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 8, wherein: each shieldplate comprises a conductive material which extends at least in partbetween floating gates of the different adjacent non-volatile storageelements between which the shield plate extends.
 12. The non-volatilestorage apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the plurality of non-volatilestorage elements are arranged in NAND strings, the plurality of shieldplates extend transversely to the NAND strings.
 13. The non-volatilestorage apparatus of claim 8, wherein: each pair of shield plates isprovided in a separate conductive loop.
 14. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 8, wherein: pairs of the word lines are provided in aconductive loop, each pair of word lines comprises a word line for thefirst set and an associated word line for the second set.
 15. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a firstplurality of electrical contacts carried by the substrate laterally of aregion of the substrate on which the plurality of non-volatile storageelements are formed, each electrical contact of the first plurality ofelectrical contacts is associated with a corresponding pair of shieldplates for coupling a voltage thereto.
 16. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a second plurality ofelectrical contacts carried by the substrate laterally of the region,each electrical contact of the second plurality of electrical contactsis associated with a corresponding pair of word lines for coupling avoltage thereto, each pair of word lines comprises a word line for thefirst set and an associated word line for the second set.
 17. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the first andsecond plurality of electrical contacts are carried by the substrate ona common side of the region.
 18. The non-volatile storage apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein: the first and second sets comprise first and secondblocks of non-volatile storage elements, respectively, each block iserasable as a unit.
 19. A non-volatile storage apparatus, comprising: asubstrate on which a plurality of non-volatile storage elements areformed, the plurality of non-volatile storage elements are arranged infirst and second sets; a plurality of word lines in communication withthe plurality of non-volatile storage elements of the first and secondsets of non-volatile storage elements; a first plurality of shieldplates, each shield plate of the first plurality of shield platesextends between different adjacent non-volatile storage elements whichare associated with adjacent word lines of the first set of non-volatilestorage elements, is electrically conductive and is controllableindependently of other shield plates in the first plurality of shieldplates; and a second plurality of shield plates, each shield plate ofthe second plurality of shield plates extends between different adjacentnon-volatile storage elements which are associated with adjacent wordlines of the second set of non-volatile storage elements, iselectrically conductive and is controllable independently of othershield plates in the second plurality of shield plates.
 20. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: at leastone control circuit for coupling a voltage independently to each shieldplate in the first and second pluralities of shield plates.
 21. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 19, wherein: each shield platecomprises a conductive material which extends at least in part betweenfloating gates of the different adjacent non-volatile storage elementsbetween which the shield plate extends.
 22. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 19, wherein: the plurality of non-volatile storageelements are arranged in NAND strings, the plurality of shield platesextend transversely to the NAND strings.
 23. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 19, wherein: pairs of shield plates are coupled by anassociated conductive path, each pair of shield plates comprises ashield plate in the first set and an associated shield plate in thesecond set, and each pair of shield plates is independentlycontrollable.
 24. The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 19,wherein: pairs of the word lines are provided in a conductive loop, eachpair of word lines comprises a word line in the first set and anassociated word line in the second set.
 25. The non-volatile storageapparatus of claim 19, further comprising: a first plurality ofelectrical contacts carried by the substrate laterally of a region ofthe substrate on which the plurality of non-volatile storage elementsare formed, each electrical contact of the first plurality of electricalcontacts is associated with a corresponding shield plate of the firstplurality of shield plates for coupling a voltage thereto; and a secondplurality of electrical contacts carried by the substrate laterally ofthe region, each electrical contact of the second plurality ofelectrical contacts is associated with a corresponding shield plate ofthe second plurality of shield plates for coupling a voltage thereto,the first plurality of electrical contacts are on an opposite side ofthe region than the second plurality of electrical contacts.
 26. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: a thirdplurality of electrical contacts carried by the substrate laterally ofthe region, each electrical contact of the third plurality of electricalcontacts is associated with a corresponding word line of the first setfor coupling a voltage thereto, the first and third plurality ofelectrical contacts are carried by the substrate on a first common sideof the region.
 27. The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 26,further comprising: a fourth plurality of electrical contacts carried bythe substrate laterally of the region, each electrical contact of thefourth plurality of electrical contacts is associated with acorresponding word line of the second set for coupling a voltagethereto, the second and fourth plurality of electrical contacts arecarried by the substrate on a second common side of the region, thefirst and second common sides are at opposite sides of the region. 28.The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 19, wherein: the first andsecond sets comprise first and second blocks of non-volatile storageelements, respectively, each block is erasable as a unit.
 29. Anon-volatile storage apparatus, comprising: a substrate on which aplurality of non-volatile storage elements are formed, the non-volatilestorage elements are arranged in a plurality of sets; and a plurality ofshields, each shield extends between different adjacent sets ofnon-volatile storage elements, each shield is independently controllablefor reducing electromagnetic coupling between the adjacent sets ofnon-volatile storage elements between which the shield extends.
 30. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 29, further comprising: at leastone control circuit for coupling a voltage independently to each shield.31. The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 29, wherein: each shieldcomprises a conductive material which extends at least in part betweenfloating gates of non-volatile storage elements associated with thedifferent sets of non-volatile storage elements between which the shieldextends.
 32. The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 29, wherein:the plurality of non-volatile storage elements are arranged in NANDstrings, the plurality of shields extend transversely to the NANDstrings.
 33. The non-volatile storage apparatus of claim 29, furthercomprising: a first plurality of electrical contacts carried by thesubstrate laterally of a region of the substrate on which the pluralityof non-volatile storage elements are formed, each electrical contact ofthe first plurality of electrical contacts is associated with acorresponding shield for coupling a voltage thereto.
 34. Thenon-volatile storage apparatus of claim 33, further comprising: a secondplurality of electrical contacts carried by the substrate laterally ofthe region, each electrical contact of the second plurality ofelectrical contacts is associated with a corresponding control line forcoupling a voltage thereto.
 35. The non-volatile storage apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein: the first and second plurality of electrical contactsare carried by the substrate on a common side of the region.